A nurse is caring for a client who has SLE and is experiencing an episode of Raynaud's phenomenon. Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate?
Client report of intense feeling of heat in the fingers
Pallor of the toes with cold exposure
Feet that become reddened with ambulation
Swelling of the joints of the fingers
The Correct Answer is B
A. This is not typical for Raynaud's phenomenon. Instead, Raynaud's is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, often triggered by cold or stress, leading to sensations of coldness or numbness rather than warmth.
B. This finding aligns with Raynaud's phenomenon. During an episode, the blood vessels constrict in response to cold or stress, leading to pallor (whiteness) in the affected areas, such as the toes and fingers. This is a classic symptom of the condition.
C. While feet can become reddened due to increased blood flow after rewarming or after exposure to warmth, this is not a characteristic feature of Raynaud's phenomenon. In Raynaud's, the affected areas typically exhibit color changes from white (pallor) to blue (cyanosis) and then red (hyperemia) as blood flow returns, but redness upon ambulation is not specifically indicative of the phenomenon.
D. Swelling of the joints can occur in SLE due to arthritis or inflammation but is not a direct symptom of Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's primarily affects blood flow and does not inherently cause joint swelling; however, a client with SLE may experience joint symptoms due to other underlying inflammatory processes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of WBC and are primarily involved in responding to bacterial infections. While they may increase during a viral infection, their primary function is to combat bacteria and fungi. Therefore, they are not the most specific indicator of viral illnesses.
B. Lymphocytes, which include T cells and B cells, are the most directly associated with viral infections. They play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response, recognizing and responding to viral pathogens. A significant increase in lymphocytes, particularly T cells, is commonly seen during viral infections.
C. Basophils are involved in allergic reactions and responses to parasites, releasing histamine and other mediators. They are not significantly involved in the response to viral infections and typically do not show a notable increase in these situations.
D. Eosinophils primarily respond to parasitic infections and allergic reactions. While they may be elevated in some allergic conditions and certain parasitic infections, they are not directly involved in the immune response to viral infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Prednisone can lead to sodium and fluid retention, which can result in hypertension and edema. While this is an important consideration, it is not the most critical point to emphasize initially. Managing weight and blood pressure is essential, but there are more immediate concerns with the medication's use.
B. Long-term use of prednisone can result in changes such as fat redistribution, leading to a "moon face," buffalo hump, and increased abdominal fat. This is significant for understanding the side effects of prolonged therapy, but it is not the most urgent information for the client to know.
C. Prednisone can cause side effects such as mood changes, anxiety, or jitteriness, especially when initiating treatment or adjusting dosages. While this is relevant, the potential for emotional or psychological effects is secondary to the critical management of the medication.
D. This is the most critical point to emphasize. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can suppress the body's natural adrenal function. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal crisis, which can be life- threatening.
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